Competition for a new nautical base, ranked among the finalists.

The project for the new nautical base at La Jonction is part of an approach of historical continuity and respect for the environment. Located at the confluence of the city, park, and river, this project aims to create a transitional space between urban and natural areas. The preservation and reuse of existing structures, particularly the TPG administrative building, demonstrate a desire to respect the site's history while adapting it to new needs. The project plans to restrict the presence of motorized vehicles in favor of pedestrians, cyclists, and boaters, thus creating a more friendly environment that respects nature. The arrangement of new elements, such as the boxes to the north, has been designed to offer both transparency and privacy, allowing passersby to admire the nautical equipment while preserving the space for club users. This approach reflects a desire to create a place open to its surroundings while maintaining an identity specific to the nautical club.

The site layout has been designed to offer a sequential experience to users, dividing the space into three distinct areas: parking, sports practice, and rest. This intuitive organization naturally guides users from their arrival to their entry into the water. The active heart of the club, dedicated to sports practice, becomes a dynamic space where kayakers, paddlers, instructors, and enthusiasts come together. This central location serves as a link between the club and the river, offering an unobstructed view of nautical activity. In contrast, a resting area away from the hustle and bustle allows people to enjoy the sporting atmosphere in a calmer, more contemplative setting. This thoughtful arrangement of outdoor spaces also creates three functional zones: a delivery area for loading and unloading materials, an elevated rest area offering a view of sporting activities, and a slalom zone for training and water leisure.

The architectural program is divided into two distinct units, each responding to specific needs. The unheated part, dedicated to storing nautical equipment, uses a simple and efficient construction system based on the reuse of existing metal beams. This approach allows for the creation of flexible and transparent spaces while ensuring optimal technical, economic, and environmental feasibility. The heated part, housed in the former TPG administrative building, contains the changing rooms, administrative offices, and the weight room. This building has been renovated to meet the highest energy standards, with an improved carbon footprint thanks to the preservation and reuse of materials. The entire project emphasizes architectural sobriety, aiming to integrate harmoniously into the existing landscape. The green roof contributes to the building's insulation, improves its thermal inertia, and promotes local biodiversity. The preservation of the TPG administrative building, as well as the prior demolition of the TPG depot located near the project, is particularly favorable to implementing principles of reducing new resources and reuse, practicing circular economy, short circuits, and local sourcing. At the end of their life, all construction elements can be dismantled, sorted, reused, and recycled again in the spirit of constant evolution, which the Canoe Club has always benefited from.